Conservation of Biodiversity in the Central Zagros Mountain Ecosystems.

The proposed UNDP/GEF Project will aim to sustainably conserve biological diversity at 2-3 key sites in the central Zagros mountains of Iran. The project is to adopt innovative, inter-sectoral tools and approaches to conserving biodiversity. The project is also to integrate biodiversity into provincial and local development processes. Notably, the project is likely to determine ways to work with nomads and local communities, in order to exploit traditional knowledge and to link nomadic practices with biodiversity conservation (in line with the NBSAP). The PDF B project aims at the design and development of the Full Project. The PDF B approach should be fully in line with latest developments, in Iran and globally, related to public participation in the management of natural resources and the development process. In order to achieve these complex, innovative objectives, the PDF B requires a broad technical and multi-sectoral guidance to its inputs and activities. This guidance cannot be provided by an individual expert. In addition, the project requires broad coordination mechanisms, to ensure that constructive linkages can be forged with other programmes and departments. To be effective, this guidance and support should be flexible. This guidance and support should be above and beyond the Project Steering Committee, which serves the standard purpose of making key project decisions and backing the project activities.